Quick release structures for a computer

ABSTRACT

Quick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computer to the computer are disclosed. The quick release coupling mechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of the components relative to the computer. That is, the quick release coupling mechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without using conventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating the use of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from the computer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quick release couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick and straightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and from the computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may be inserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by a simple flick of a latch or handle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/791,997 entitled “QUICK RELEASE STRUCTURES FOR A COMPUTER” filedMar. 2, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,576, which takes priority under 35U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/535,279 entitled “QUICK RELEASE STRUCTURES FOR A COMPUTER” filed Jan.8, 2004, each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a computer. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to improved features formounting structures to a computer.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many design challenges associated with designing a computer.One design challenge is in techniques for providing access to structurescontained within the housing of the computer. One technique includesdisassembling the entire housing or portions thereof. Another techniqueincludes removing a door built into the housing. Unfortunately, thereare many problems associated with these techniques. For example,disassembly and removal is often difficult for users who lack the time,tools and skills to perform such tasks. As should be appreciated, doorsand housings are fastened using screws, bolts, snaps, locks, which canbe difficult to maneuver. In addition, these techniques typicallycomplicate the housing design and create aesthetic difficulties becauseof undesirable cracks and fasteners located along the surfaces of thehousing (e.g., as for example at the mating surfaces).

To elaborate, if a user wants to gain access to an internal component ofthe computer, such as memory, the user has to spend a certain amount oftime removing the fasteners to open the door. Furthermore, the removalof fasteners requires the user to have special tools and often somegeneral technical skill in order to remove the trap door. Conventionaldoors also often need to be pried out from the housing in order to beremoved. Typically, the trap doors do not provide surfaces for graspingwith a finger or hand. In some applications this makes the doordifficult to remove. In effect, a prying tool may be needed to removethe door from the housing.

Another design challenge is in techniques for mounting structures withinthe computer. Conventionally, the structures have been attached to theframe of the computer housing with fasteners such as screws, bolts,grommets or snaps. In order to remove the structures from the computer,it is often necessary to unfasten and remove each of the fastenerssecuring the structures to the frame or housing. Unfortunately, this istime consuming and cumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires toolsand more than one hand. Thus, those users without tools or those userswith physical limitations may not be able to remove the structures fromthe computer.

To cite an example, most structures include a mounting portion havingmultiple mounting holes. In order to install the structure into thecomputer, screws are typically placed through the mounting holes andthreaded into brackets attached to a frame or a portion of the housing.In order to remove the structure from the computer, such as for examplerepair, replacement or to gain access to other components in thecomputer, each of the screws must be unfastened from the bracket.Unfastening the screws permits the structure to be disengaged from thebracket thereby releasing the structure from the computer. Bothprocedures are time consuming and cumbersome, especially in confinedareas of the computer. Furthermore, both procedures require ascrewdriver or other tool to tighten or untighten the screw.

Thus, there is a need for improvements in the manner in which structuresare mounted to computers. One area not specifically addressed by theprior art is the ability to quickly and effectively provide both theeasy and quick connection and disconnection of structures to and fromthe computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a computer. The computerincludes a housing having an interior portion. The computer alsoincludes a removable fan module that slides in and out of the interiorportion of the housing. The fan module is configured to make tool-lesselectrical and mechanical connections with the computer when the fanmodule is slid into the housing. The fan module is additionallyconfigured to make tool-less electrical and mechanical disconnectionswith the computer when the fan module is slid out of the housing.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a cooling device for acomputer that includes a housing having an interior portion. The coolingdevice includes a quick release removable fan module that slides in andout of the interior portion of the housing, the fan module makingtool-less electrical and mechanical connections with the computer whenthe fan module is slid into the housing, the fan module making tool-lesselectrical and mechanical disconnections with the computer when the fanmodule is slid out of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a computer, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is side view of the computer of FIG. 1 with an access doorremoved, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the computer of FIG. 1 with an access doorremoved, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view, in part, of a housing includinga quick release door system, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view of an access door, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the access door of FIG. 5A asassembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latchingmechanism in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6B is a top view, in cross section, of a hooking mechanism in aclosed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6C is a front view of a handle and pocket system in a closedposition, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latchingmechanism in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B is a top view, in cross section, of a hooking mechanism in anopen position, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8A is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latchingmechanism in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8B is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a latchingmechanism in a closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9A is a perspective diagram of a computer with a removed fanassembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a perspective diagram of a computer with an inserted fanassembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a computer witha removed fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10B is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a computer withan inserted fan assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 11A-11B are perspective views of a connector assembly, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective diagram of a computer with a disk driveremoved, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a diagram of a disk drive mounting system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an assembly diagram of a disk drive mounting system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15A-C are side elevation views of the disk drive mounting systemof FIG. 14.

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a sequence of movements as the disk drive islatched and unlatched, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 17A-17B are perspective diagrams showing a drive door that slideslinearly up and down relative to the computer housing between an openedand closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show a side elevation view of a disk drive system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 19A-19E are assembly diagrams of a drive door assembly, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams of a hard drive mounting system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to computer designs that improve usersatisfaction. The designs are configured to incorporate one or morequick release couplings for releasably coupling components of a computerto the computer, i.e., a temporary connection means for connecting anddisconnecting components to a computer. The quick release couplingmechanisms are generally configured to allow tool-less placement of thecomponents relative to the computer. That is, the quick release couplingmechanisms are configured to perform their couplings without usingconventional fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. By eliminating theuse of fasteners, the components may be inserted and removed from thecomputer without using tools (e.g., tool-less). Furthermore, the quickrelease couplings are easy to maneuver thereby enabling quick andstraightforward assembly and disassembly of the components to and fromthe computer (e.g., quick release). For example, the components may beinserted and removed by a simple pushing or pulling motion, and/or by asimple flick of a latch or handle.

One aspect of the invention pertains to a door mount assembly thatallows tool-less placement of an access door to the computer. Anotheraspect of the invention pertains to a fan mount assembly that allowstool-less placement of one or more fans inside the computer. Anotheraspect of the invention pertains to a drive mount assembly that allowstool-less placement of a disk drive inside the computer. Another aspectof the invention pertains to drive door assembly that includes a slidingdoor and that allows tool-less placement of a sliding door relative tothe computer.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-20. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a computer 10, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention. The computer 10 generally includes ahousing 12 configured to enclose various internal components thatprovide computing operations for the computer 10. The internalcomponents may be processors, controllers, memory and the like. Oftenthese internal components take the form of integrated circuits; however,the internal components can take various other forms including circuitboards, cables, connectors, fans, heat sinks, power supplies, etc. Theinternal components may also be various I/O devices such as a harddrive, a disk drive, a modem and the like. The housing 12 may alsoenclose various structural members, which may or may not be part of thehousing 12. By way of example, the structural members may be ribs, bars,frames, shelves, platforms and the like that are directly or indirectlyattached to the housing 12.

In general, the housing 12 serves various functions including but notlimited to surrounding the internal components at a peripheral regionthereof so as to cover and protect them from adverse conditions;structurally supporting the internal components in their assembledposition within the housing 12; and defining the shape or form of thecomputer 10. The housing 12 may be further configured to containelectronic emissions therein, i.e., integrated circuit chips and othercircuitry may generate unwanted electrical emissions (EMI).

FIG. 2 is a broken away side elevation view of the computer 10 shown inFIG. 1. In this particular embodiment, a portion of the housing 12 hasbeen removed to show the internal components of the computer 10. Theportion of the housing 12 that has been removed may, for example, be anaccess door 14 that can cover an access opening 16 located in housing12. The access door 14 when removed from the housing 12 allows the useraccess to various internal components enclosed within the housing 12.The access door 14 when attached to the housing 12 acts like part of thehousing 12, i.e., helps enclose the internal components.

As shown through the opening 16, the computer 10 includes various otherstructural components including an access frame 18 and one or moreshelves 20. The access frame 18 is configured to support the housing 12in the area of the access opening 16. By way of example, it may act as abeam/post that connects and rigidly supports the housing 12 in itsassembled condition. The shelves 20, on the other hand, are configuredto support various internal components that provide operations for thecomputer 10. They are also configured to separate the internal housinginto several usable spaces or stations capable or receiving the internalcomponents of the computer. By way of example, the shelves may define adrive area, a PC card area, a processing area, a power management area,and/or the like. The spaces may also separate the housing into one ormore different thermal zones.

In the illustrated embodiment, the access frame 18 is attached to theupper portion of the housing 12 at a first end and a lower portion ofthe housing 12 at a second end. It may also be attached to the front andrear portion of the housing 12. This is generally accomplished withfasteners such as screws, bolts, etc. The access door 14 is configuredto mate with the access frame 18 when the access door 14 is mounted tothe housing 12. In most cases, the access door 14 is placed within a cutout section 22 in the housing 12. In some cases, it may be desirable toprovide an inner door between the access door 14 and the opening 16 inthe housing 12 to further protect the internal components and possiblyadd more functionality to the computer. For example, the inner door mayinclude contours that help distribute air throughout the internalportions of the housing, and more particularly different thermal zoneswithin the housing.

The manner in which the access door 14 is removed generally variesaccording to the specific design of each computer 10. For example, itmay be designed to slide off of the housing 12 or it may be rotated offthe housing 12. Further, although the door 14 is shown removed, itshould be noted that this is not a limitation and that the access door14 may be movably coupled to the housing 12. For example, it may pivotor slide relative to the housing 12 without being removed.

As further shown through the opening 16, the housing 12 encloses variousinternal components that provide operations to the computer 10. Forexample, the housing 12 may enclose a disk drive 24 and one or more harddrives 26, each of which may be mounted to a first shelf 20A in order tosecure them within the housing 12. The housing may include an opening ora door system 27 for allowing access to the disk drive 26. The housing12 may also enclose various heat transfer mechanisms as for example,fans 28, heat sinks 30 and the like. The fans 28, which are typicallymounted to various shelves 20, may for example be configured to pull airfrom the front of the housing 12 via a plurality of perforations in thehousing 12 and to distribute the air over the computer componentsenclosed within the housing 12. Once the air has collected heat from thecomputer components, it is generally directed out of the housing 12through one or more vents (or perforations) in the back of the housing12.

The housing 12 may also enclose a mother board 32, which in thisembodiment is located behind the various other components opposite theaccess door 14. The motherboard 32 provides a place where a majority ofthe computer components can meet. It also provides a foundation forvarious computer components. For example, the mother board may include aplurality of slots 34 for receiving such things as PC cards, videocards,memory (e.g., SIMMs or DIMMs), and the like. It also includes thereon,one or more main processors 36 that control the computer 10. As shown,the heat sinks 30 are typically positioned over the main processors 36so as to collect heat therefrom.

As the power and sophistication of computers have increased, so has thelevel of electromagnetic interference generated by devices enclosedtherein. As is generally well known, integrated circuit devicesunintentionally emit electromagnetic radiation during operation that maycause interference with communication devices, such as telephones,radios, and televisions. In order to prevent interference, the housing12 as well as the access door 14 may be configured to shield or blockthe emission of electromagnetic radiation, which is emanating from theintegrated circuit devices. This is generally accomplished with anelectrically conductive material that forms part of the housing/door orthat is attached to housing/door. In plastic housings, some methods forshielding the housing include: lining the housing with a metallic foilsuch as aluminum, lining the housing with sheet metal such as steel, orcoating the inner surfaces of the housing with a metallic material suchas nickel or copper. Alternatively, the housing may be formed from anelectrically conductive material itself as for example steel oraluminum. Furthermore, the door or its corresponding mating surface onthe housing may include an EMI gasket for shielding interference at theinterface between the housing 12 and the access door 14. By way ofexample, the EMI gasket may be a silicone based electrically conductiveEMI gasket.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a quick releasedoor system is provided that is quick and easy to maneuver. The quickrelease door system generally includes a removable access door 14 thatcovers an opening 16 in the housing 12 and acts as another wall of thehousing 12 when closed (FIG. 1) and that allows access through theopening 16 when opened (FIG. 2). Although not a requirement, the housing12 may include a cutout or recessed portion 22 therein for receiving theremovable access door 14. The recessed portion 22 provides a matinginterface for the access door 14 relative to the housing 12. In mostcases, the recessed portion 22 is designed to place the outer surface 40of the access door 14 substantially flush with the outer surface 42 ofthe housing 12 adjacent the access door 14 when the access door 14 isdisposed within the recessed portion 22. The recessed portion 22 is alsodesigned to reduce gaps between the access door 14 and the housing 12.Both design features are generally done to provide a clean andcontinuous appearance that is aesthetically pleasing to the user. Theymay also help hide the fact that an access door 14 exists in the housing12, i.e., trap door or hidden door. This may be done irrespective ofwhether the housing 12 has a curvilinear contour or rectilinear contour(as shown).

The configuration of the access door 14 may be widely varied. Forexample, it may be located on a single wall (as shown) or multiple wallsof the housing 12. The access door 14 may further make up an entire wallof the housing 12 or smaller portions thereof (as shown). In addition,the shape of the access door 14 may coincide with the overall contour ofthe housing 12 or it might provide further contours whether internal orexternal. In the illustrated embodiment, the access door 14 is locatedon a single wall. It is further dimensioned to be somewhat smaller thanthe entire wall, i.e., the housing 12 as well as the access door 14 formthe entire wall. Moreover, the access door 14 is substantially planar(flat) in order to coincide with the planar contour of the housing 12.It is generally believed that the embodiment shown is desirable to auser of the computer for both aesthetics and ease of use. For example,it provides a clean continuous appearance and it is easy to maneuvercompared to other designs.

The quick release door system also generally includes a quick releaselatching mechanism for securing the access door 14 to the housing 12when closed and for releasing the access door 14 from the housing 12when it is desired to be opened. The quick release latch mechanismconsists of two parts, a housing side locking mechanism and a door sidelocking mechanism. These two mechanisms are cooperatively positioned sothat when the access door 14 is closed, the locking mechanisms arecapable of lockably engaging with one another thus securing the accessdoor 14 to the housing 12. The quick release latching mechanism alsoincludes a quick release latch that enables a user to easily and quicklylock and unlock the door side locking mechanism relative to the housingside locking mechanism (or vice versa) thereby securing or releasing theaccess door 14 from the housing 12 in a simple and easy manner.

Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a quick release latchingmechanism 42 will be described. As shown, the quick release latchingmechanism 42 includes a plurality of retention hooks 50 located on thehousing 12 that mate with a plurality of hook receivers 52 located onthe access door 14. The retention hooks 50 are configured to engage thehook receivers 52 to hold the access door 14 in place. The retentionhooks 50 and hook receivers 52 can be widely varied. In theimplementation shown, the retention hooks 50 are flange like hooks thatprotrude away from the housing 12 and the hook receivers 52 are slotsbuilt into the access door 14. The slotted hook receivers 52 are capableof receiving the flange like hooks 50 therein.

As shown, the retention hooks 50 are positioned within the opening 16 inthe housing 12, and the hook receivers 52 are positioned on an innersurface 53 of the access door 14. The retention hooks 50 are generallymovable between an engagement position, coupling the retention hooks 50with the hook receivers 52, and a disengagement position, decoupling theretention hooks 50 from the hook receivers 52. When engaged, the accessdoor 14 is secured to the housing 12. When disengaged, the access door14 can be removed from the housing 12. The latching mechanism 42 mayfurther include a quick release handle 54 for moving the retention hooks50 between the engagement and disengagement positions. The quick releasehandle 54 is generally located in an inconspicuous place as for exampleat the rear of the computer 10. The quick release handle 54 is alsodesigned for ease of use and one handed operation.

Although the retention hooks 50 may be moved in a variety of ways inorder to engage the hook receivers 52 (e.g., rotate, translate, pivot,etc.), in the illustrated embodiment, the retention hooks 50 areconfigured to slide relative to the housing 12. In particular, theretention hooks 50 are attached to a slider bar 56 that is slidablyretained to a frame component 58 contained in the housing 14. By way ofexample, the frame component may generally correspond to a portion ofthe access frame 18 shown in FIG. 2. The sliding action is initiated byactuation of the quick release handle 54. Like the retention hooks 50,the handle 54 may be moved in a variety of ways (e.g., rotate,translate, pivot, etc.) to initiate the sliding action. In theillustrated embodiment, the handle 54 is configured to pivot relative tothe housing 12 in order to produce the sliding action, i.e., thepivoting action of the handle 54 produces the sliding action at theretention hooks 50. Although not shown in this Figure, the quick releaselatching mechanism 42 generally includes some means for transformingpivot motion of the handle 54 into linear motion of the slider bar 56and thus the retention hooks 50.

When the access door 14 is positioned within the recessed portion 22 ofthe housing 12, the retention hooks 50 are positioned adjacent the hookreceivers 52 (e.g., disengagement position). In order to secure theaccess door 14 to the housing 12, the user forces the handle 54 topivot. The pivoting action causes the retention hooks 50 to slidethereby capturing the hook receivers 52 (e.g., engagement position).When captured, the access door 14 is held relative to the housing 12. Insome cases, it may be necessary to provide a means for forcing theaccess door 14 tight against the housing 12 in order to seal theinterface there between. In cases such as this, the retention hooks 50and/or the hook receivers 52 may include a tapered portion or ramp thatcauses the access door 14 to move towards the housing 12 as theretention hooks 50 slide relative to the hook receivers 52. The taperedportion in essence causes the access door 14 to be sucked into therecessed portion 22 of the housing 12. A spring action may be used tocontrol the feel of the sucking action (e.g., tune the feel). Forexample, the retention hooks 50 and/or the hook receivers 52 may includea spring means that produces a smooth and constant friction force whenthe retention hooks 50 are slid into the hook receivers 52. As should beappreciated, it is generally believed that users think more positivelyabout products that provide smooth actions rather than ones that producecoarse actions.

The door system may further include a door recess 59 located within thehousing 12 and a retention lip 60 located on the access door 14. Thedoor recess 59 receives the retention lip 60 so as to help secure theaccess door 14 to the housing 12 as well as to coarsely position theaccess door 14 relative to the housing 12. As should be appreciated, theretention hooks 50 and hook receivers 52 need to be aligned in order forthem to properly engage one another. In some cases, the door interfaceneeds finer positioning than what is provided by the recess/lipinterface 59/60. In cases such as these, the door system may furtherinclude one or more alignment pins 62 located on the access door 14 andone or more locator holes 64 located on the housing 12 (or vice versa).When the alignment pins 62 are inserted into the locator holes 64, theaccess door 14 is placed in its proper position relative to the housing12, i.e., prevents planar translation as well as rotation within theplane. Although the door recess 59 can be placed at any location, it istypically located somewhat internally of the outer surface of thehousing 12 in order to allow the outer surface of the access door 14 tobe flush with the outer surface of the housing 12.

The operation of the door system will now be discussed in conjunctionwith the illustrated embodiment. In order to remove the access door 14from the housing 12, a user simply rotates the handle 54. By rotatingthe handle 54, the retention hooks 50 slide from the engagement positionto the disengagement position. When in the disengagement position, theretention hooks 50 are decoupled from the hook receivers 52 andtherefore the access door 14 is no longer secured to the housing 12 viathe quick release latching mechanism 42. Thereafter, the user rotatesthe access door 14 away from the housing 12 about the retention lip/doorrecess interface 59/60 thereby removing the flange like retention hooks50 from the slotted hook receivers 52. This rotation also releases thealignment pin 62 from the locator hole 64. Once the access door 14 isfree from the retention hooks 50 and locator hole 64, the user maysimply lift up on the access door 14 to release the retention lip 60from the door recess 59. Once released, the access door 14 is fullyremoved form the housing 12.

In order to connect the access door 14 to the housing 12, a user placesthe retention lip 60 within the door recess 59 and rotates the accessdoor 14 about this interface. At the end of the rotation, the userguides the alignment pin 62 into the locator hole 64 thereby placing theaccess door 14 in the desired relationship with the housing 12. Byplacing the access door 14 in the proper position, the retention hooks50 are placed in the proper position relative to the hook receivers 52.Thereafter, the user rotates the handle 54 thereby causing the retentionhooks 50 to slide from the disengagement position to the engagementposition. When in the engagement position, the retention hooks 50 arecoupled to the hook receivers 52 and therefore the access door 14 issecured to the housing 12 via the quick release latching mechanism 42.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, a quick release door system 68 will bedisclosed, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The quick release door system includes a housing 70, a removable door 71and a quick release latching mechanism 72. By way of example, thesecomponents may generally correspond to similar features shown anddescribed in FIGS. 1-3. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 70 includes acasing 74 and an access frame 76. The access frame 76 is attached to thecasing 74. The access frame 76 supports the casing 74 in the area of anaccess opening 78 and generally receives an access door (FIG. 5), whichcovers the access opening 78. The access frame 76 may be attached to thecasing 74 in any conventional manner as for example fasteners such asscrews and bolts. The materials of the casing 74 and access frame 76 maybe widely varied. They are generally selected for various reasonsincluding but not limited to structural integrity and EMI shielding. Inone particular embodiment, the casing 74 is formed from aluminum and theaccess frame 76 is formed from steel.

The access frame 76 includes a main body 80 and a support bar 82. Themain body 80 provides support to the casing 74 and the support bar 82provides support to a quick release latching mechanism 72. It may alsoprovide support for a shelf disposed inside the housing 70. The mainbody 80 also defines the access opening 78 and generally includes amating surface 84 for receiving the inner surface of the access door 71(FIG. 5). The main body 80 also includes a flange or stepped portion 86that is located around the access opening 78. The flange portion 86 isconfigured to receive a protruding portion or stiffener 154 located onan inner surface of the access door 71 so as to seal the interfacebetween the access opening 78 and the access door 71 (FIG. 5). The mainbody 80 also includes a door depression 88 that cooperates with aportion of the casing (not shown) to form a door recess, i.e., thecasing covers a portion of depression across its length. The door recessis configured to receive a retention lip 162 of the access door 71 (FIG.5).

Although not shown, the main body 80 may also be configured to receivean inner door that is positioned between the access door 71 and theaccess frame 76. The inner door may provide air flow contours forducting air flow to various locations within the housing 70. The innerdoor may include one or more retention lips that fit into correspondingslots in the access frame 76, and a locking detent that interacts withthe support arm 82. The inner wall may be formed from a clear plasticmaterial. By way of example, an inner door that may be used is disclosedin patent application Ser. No. 10/075,964, entitled “Active Enclosurefor Computing Device”, filed on Feb. 13, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.7,45,098, and which is herein incorporated by reference.

The quick release latching mechanism 72 is used to removably couple theaccess door 71 to the housing 70. The quick release latching mechanism72 includes a slider assembly 92 and a handle assembly 94. Referringfirst to the slider assembly 92, the slider assembly 92 includes aslider bar 98 that is slidably retained to the support bar 82. This isgenerally accomplished with shoulder bolts 100 that are mounted to thesupport bar 82. The shoulder bolts 100 pass through corresponding slots102 in the slider bar 98 thereby slidably retaining the slider bar 98 tothe support bar 82. This may also be accomplished with a channel likestructure formed into the support bar 82. The slider assembly 92 alsoincludes a plurality of retention hooks 104 that are slidably restrainedto the slider bar 98. The retention hooks 104 may for example includefins that slide within a groove in the slider bar 98. The retentionhooks 104 are held within the groove via a corresponding leaf spring 106that attaches to both the slider bar 98 and the retention hooks 104. Theleaf spring 106 allows the retention hooks 104 to move inward andoutward under a spring bias. The retention hooks 104 also include aflange 108 that is used to capture a portion of the access door, andmore particularly hook receivers built into the access door (FIG. 5).

Referring to the handle assembly 94, the handle assembly 94 includes ahandle 110 that is pivot coupled to the housing 70, and moreparticularly casing 74. The handle 110 is seated inside a pocket 112 inthe casing 74. In this manner, the outer surface of the handle 110 cansit substantially flush with the outer surface of the casing 74. Ingeneral, the size of the handle 110 is dimension for receipt inside thepocket 112 except for a small portion that provides a space for graspingthe end of the handle 110. The pocket 112 may be integrally formed withthe casing 74 or it may be a separate component that is attached to thecasing 74 (e.g., weld). The handle 110 is connected to the casing 74through a pivot pin 114 that is captured by a through hole in both thepocket 112 and the handle 110. A retaining ring may be used to hold thepivot pin 114 in place.

The handle assembly 94 also includes a pivot arm 116 that is attached tothe backside of the handle 110. The pivot arm 116 includes a pair ofarms 118, each of which includes a through hole for receiving a pivotpin 120. The pivot pin 120 may be held in its assembled position via aretaining ring. The pair of arms 118 are inserted through a pair ofcorresponding slots in the rear of the pocket 112. The pivot arm 116 maybe attached to the handle 110 using any conventional means including butnot limited to screws, bolts, adhesives and the like. Alternatively, thepivot arm 116 may be integrally formed with the handle 110.

The pivot arm 116 is both slidably and pivotally coupled to the sliderbar 98 via the pivot pin 120, which is seated within the through holesof the pivot arms 118 and a groove 122 formed at the end of the sliderbar 98. The slider bar 98 includes a protruding member 124 at the endclosest to the handle 110. The protruding member 124 includes the groove122 that receives the pivot pin 120 therein. The profile of the groove122 is configured to cooperate with the handle 110 to transform therotary motion of the handle 110 to the sliding motion of the slider bar98. The groove 122 may include tuned humps 126 at its ends. The tunedhumps 126 cause the handle 110 to retain its actuated and unactuatedpositions. They may also cause the handle 110 to produce a snap at theend of its rotation. For example, when the use pulls the handle 110 up,the tuned hump 126 causes the handle 110 to lock into its upwardsposition (and vice versa). The handle 110 may be spring biased as forexample using a torsion spring or leaf spring

The handle assembly 94 may further include a lock receiver 130 thatcooperates with the handle 110. The lock receiver 130 is configured toreceive a lock such as a padlock so as to prevent a user from using thehandle 110. When prevented from using the handle 110, the access doorcannot be removed and thus access through the access opening isprevented. The lock receiver 130 is disposed between the handle 110 andthe pocket 112. The lock receiver 130 includes a first extension 132 anda second extension 134, each of which can be inserted through an opening136 in the handle 110. The lock receiver 130 is configured to pivotwithin pocket 112 between a first position (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7),placing the first extension 132 within the opening 136 in the handle110, and a second position (as shown in FIG. 8), placing the secondextension 134 within the opening 136 in the handle 110. In order tochange the position of the lock receiver, the handle 110 is rotatedupwards, as for example, in the opened position (FIG. 8A).

The first extension 132 is smaller than the second extension 134 suchthat its end is substantially flush with the outer surface of the handle110 when it is positioned in the opening 136 in the handle 110. Thesecond extension 134, on the other hand, is longer so that its endextends past the outer surface of the handle 110. The second extension134 includes a through hole 138 so that when the second extension 134 ispositioned in the opening 136 of the handle 110, a pad lock may beplaced through the through hole 138 thereby preventing a user from usingthe handle 110. In order to enhance user feel of the lock receiver 130,a back portion of the lock receiver 130 may include a nub that producesa cam action relative to the casing 74. The cam action may be springbiased to further enhance the user feel. By way of example, a leafspring located on the internal back side of the pocket 112 may be usedto bias the cam action.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the access door assembly 150 includes aplanar access door 152, an access door stiffener 154, internal EMIgaskets 156, hook receivers 158 and an external EMI gasket 160. Theaccess door 152 includes a retention lip 162 that is configured to beinserted into a door recess in the housing (see for example 88 in FIG.4). The inner surface of the access door 152 around the stiffener 154may mate with a corresponding surface in the housing (see for example 84in FIG. 4).

The door stiffener 154, which helps prevent torsion and flexing of theaccess door 152, is attached to the inner surface of the access door152. The door stiffener 154 may be attached using any conventional meansas for example, screws or bolts. The stiffener 154 is generallyconfigured to protrude away from the inner surface from the access door152. The contour of the stiffener 154 generally coincides with acorresponding recess in the housing. That is, the protruding portion ofthe stiffener 154 may be inserted into a recess in the housing when thedoor is placed in its closed position (see for example 86 in FIG. 4).The stiffener 154 may include a cross bar 164, the placement of whichcorresponds to the placement of the latching mechanism on the housing(see for example 82 in FIG. 4).

The protruding portion of the stiffener 154 generally defines a spacefor the hook receivers 158 and the internal EMI gaskets 156, i.e., theseelements are trapped between the stiffener 154 and the access door 152when assembled. The hook receivers 158 are located proximate acorresponding number of passages 166 in the stiffener 154, and may befitted into the passage 166. The hook receivers 158 generally form aslot that allows a retention hook to be placed therein (see for example104 in FIG. 4). The hook receivers 158 also cooperate with the stiffener154 to form a void that extends underneath the stiffener 154. Theretention hooks when placed within the slotted hook receivers 158 can beslid into the void in order to form an interlocking connection. The EMIgasket 160 is configured to be positioned around the outer perimeter ofthe stiffener 154. In fact, the stiffener 154 may include a groove forreceiving a portion of the EMI gasket 160. When positioned in thegroove, the EMI gasket 160 is somewhat attached to the stiffener 154,i.e., retained within the groove. The Emi gasket 160 is configured toseal the interface between the stiffener and the housing (see forexample 86 in FIG. 4).

The operation of the door system 68 will now be discussed in conjunctionwith FIGS. 6-8. FIGS. 6A-C illustrate the quick release latchingmechanism 72 in the closed position (e.g., door secured). FIGS. 7A-Billustrate the quick release latching mechanism 72 in the openedposition (e.g., door released).

In order to remove the access door 71 from the housing 70, a user simplyrotates the handle 110 upwards. The rotating handle 110 pulls the sliderbar 98 towards the handle 110. This is accomplished through the motiontransform assembly (e.g., arms 118, pin 120, groove 122, protrudingmember 124). When pulled, the slider bar 98 slides relative to thesupport bar 82 via the shoulder bolts 100 and slots 102 disposed in theslider bar 98. The sliding slider bar 98 causes the retention hooks 104to slide from the engagement position to the disengagement position.When slid from the engagement position to the disengagement position,the flange 108 moves along a tapered portion 170 of the hook receivers158 thereby causing the retention hooks 104 to translate relative to theslider bar 98 under the force of the leaf spring 106. When in thedisengagement position, the flanges 108 are decoupled from the hookreceivers 158 and therefore the access door 14 may be pulled away fromthe housing, i.e., the flanges pass through opening in the hookreceivers when pulled away.

In order to connect the access door 71 to the housing 70, the userrotates the handle 110 downwards. The rotating handle pushes the sliderbar 98 away from the handle 110. This is accomplished through the motiontransform assembly (e.g., arms 118, pin 120, groove 122, protrudingmember 124). When pushed, the slider bar 98 slides relative to thesupport bar 82 via the shoulder bolts 100 and slots 102 disposed in theslider bar 98. The sliding slider bar 98 causes the retention hooks 104to slide from the disengagement position to the engagement position.When slid from the disengagement position to the engagement position,the flange 108 moves along a the tapered portion 170 of the hookreceivers 158 thereby causing the retention hooks 104 to translaterelative to the slider bar 98 against the force of the leaf spring 106(e.g., the spring force pulls the door tight against the housing). Whenin the engagement position, the flanges 108 are coupled to the hookreceivers 158 and therefore the access door 71 is secured to the housing70.

In summary, the door system disclosed herein provides a structure foraccomplishing a quick and efficient installation and removal of anaccess door to and from the computer. For example, it requires no toolsand at least one hand to manipulate removal and installation. Asdiscussed in the background, conventional doors have been attached tothe housing of the computer with fasteners and often need to be priedout from the housing in order to be removed. This is time consuming andcumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires tools and more than onehand. Thus, those users without tools or those users with physicallimitations may not be able to remove the door from the computer. Thedoor system of the present invention overcomes these disadvantages.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, andreferring back to FIG. 2, the computer 10 includes a modular fanassembly 170 that can be removed and installed into an interior portionof the computer 10 with simplicity and ease. By removing the modular fanassembly 170, the user can have greater access to other devices mountedin the computer 10. For example, the fan assembly 170 may block accessto memory modules 172 such as DIMMs when disposed inside the computer10, but allow access to the memory modules 172 when removed from thecomputer 10. The modularity of the fan assembly may also provide severalcompetitive advantages such as ease of assembly and servicing.

The fan assembly 170 may be part of an overall heat transfer systemconfigured to remove heat from heat producing elements housed within thecomputer 10. The heat producing elements may for example include ICchips. As is generally well known, IC chips such as those used for themain processors 36 generate heat and are therefore susceptible tooverheating. Overheating may lead to errors in the functionality of thechip. The problem is compounded by the ever increasing speed of ICchips.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 170 is a component ofthe heat transfer system that works to transfer heat away from the mainprocessors 36 of the computer 10. The fan assembly 170 is configured toforce air through one or more heat sinks 30. The heat sinks 30, whichgenerally consist of a plurality of spatially separated fins, arethermally coupled to the main processors 36. In operation, the heatsinks 30 carry heat away from the main processors 36, and the air fromthe fan assembly 170 carries the heat away from the heat sinks 30. Thefan assembly 170 essentially pulls air from the front side of thehousing 12, and forces air to the back of the computer 10. As the air isforced through the computer 10, it passes over or through the fins ofthe heat sinks 30. The heat collected by the fins of the heat sinks 30is then collected by the air and moved out of the computer 10 throughair vents in the back of the housing 12. The heat transfer system mayadditionally include a corresponding fan assembly 170 at the rear of thehousing to help move air out of the housing 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fan assembly 170, when inserted, is positionedwithin an interior portion of the computer housing 12. The interiorportion may for example be a channel 174 defined by one or morecomponents of the computer (e.g., housing walls, internal platforms orplates, circuit boards, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, thechannel 174 is formed by second shelf 20B, third shelf 20C, the motherboard 32 (and/or the back side portion of the housing 12), the accessframe 18 and the access door 14 when closed, and the front and rearportion of the housing 12. The channel 174 is generally configured toallow the distribution of air through the computer 10 so as to coolcomponents located therein. For example, the channel 174 helps directair from the fan assembly 170 through the heat sinks 30 located withinthe channel 174.

The fan assembly 170 is generally configured for sliding receipt in theinterior portion of the housing 12 between a mounting position and aremoval position. In the mounting position (as shown), the fan assembly170 is mounted to the housing 12 or some internal structural componentthereof (e.g., shelves 20B and 20C) and electrically coupled to theelectrical circuitry (e.g., motherboard 32) of the computer 10. In theremoval condition, the fan assembly 170 is removed from the housing 12or some structural component and electrically decoupled from theelectrical circuitry of the computer 10.

In order to facilitate this arrangement, the fan assembly 170 generallyincludes a mating feature 178 that slidably engages a mating portion 180of the housing 12 or some element thereof in order to support andproperly position the fan assembly 170 inside the computer 10. By way ofexample, the mating feature 178 may slidably engage one or more of theshelves 20 disposed inside the housing 12. The mating feature 178 andmating portion 180 may be widely varied, and may for example includecatches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and the like. The fan assembly170 also includes an electrical connector (not shown in FIG. 2) that isconfigured to electrically engage a corresponding electrical connectordisposed within the interior portion (e.g., channel 174). Whenelectrically connected, the fan assembly 170 can be controlled andpowered by the computer 10. When electrically disconnected, the fanassembly 170 is no longer powered or controlled by the computer 10.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the fan assembly 170 in accordance with oneembodiment will be described in greater detail. The fan assembly 170 isgenerally configured to slide in and out of computer 10 while making allthe necessary electrical and mechanical connections and disconnectionsto and from the computer 10. For example, the fan assembly 170 may beslid into the channel 174 located within the housing 12 of the computer10 (as shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B), and the fan assembly 170 may be slidout of the channel 174 located within the housing 12 of the computer 10(as shown in FIGS. 9A and 10A). When inserted, the fan assembly 170 issupported by the housing 12 in its proper position within the channel174 and electrically connected to the computer 10 so that it can pullair from an intake 182 located at the front of the channel 174 andexhaust the air through a vent 184 located in the rear of the channel174. When removed (as shown), the fan assembly 170 is no longersupported or electrically connected and thus a user can accesscomponents located within the channel 174 behind the fan assembly 170.

As shown, the fan assembly 170 includes a fan carrier 186 and one ormore fans 188 attached thereto. The fan carrier 186 generally provides astructure for moving the fans 188 in and out of the computer 10,supporting and properly positioning the fans 188 within the computer 10and for helping distribute the air from the fans 188 to the internalcomponents of the computer 10. The number of fans may be widely varied.For example, single or multiple fans may be used. In most cases, thereis a fan 188 for each heat sink 30 just like there is a heat sink foreach processor 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the computer 10includes a pair of heat sinks 30 and thus the fan assembly 170 includesa pair of fans 188 (one for each heat sink). Each of the fans 188 isconfigured to pull air from the front side of the housing 12 and toforce air to the back of the computer 10 through its corresponding heatsink 30. In order to help distribute the air to the appropriate areas ofthe computer 10, the fan carrier 186 may include one or more dividers190 that break the main air channel 174 into a plurality of sub airchannels. The number of sub air channels generally depends on the numberof fans 188 and heat sinks 30. In the illustrated embodiment, there aretwo sub air channels, one for each fan/heat sink grouping. The firstchannel helps direct air over the first heat sink 30 and the secondchannel helps force air over the second heat sink 30.

In order to facilitate the sliding action and the proper placement ofthe fans 188 within the channel 174, the fan carrier 186 generallyprovides a means by which the fan carrier 186 can be received by thehousing 12 or some other element thereof (e.g., shelves 20). The means,for example, can be one or more mating features that are received by acorresponding mating portion within the housing 12. When received, themating features also cooperate to align the fan carrier 186 relative tothe heat sinks 30, i.e., they place the fans 188 in the proper positionadjacent the heat sinks 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fan carrier 186 includes a T-flange192 that mates with a corresponding slot 194 within the shelf 20B of thechannel 174. The T-flange/slot interface allows the fan carrier 186 tobe slidably received by the computer 10. The T-flange 192 generallyincludes a central member 196 and a top member 198. The central member196 is dimensioned for sliding receipt within the slot 194, and the topmember 198 is dimensioned to rest on the upper surface of the shelf 20B.This particular arrangement allows for sliding receipt of the fancarrier 186 as well as to position the fan carrier 186 in its properposition within the housing 12. For example, the top member/upper plateinterface sets the z axis position while the central member/slotinterface sets the x and y positions as well as rotation about the zaxis.

In order to further hold the fan carrier 186 in place within the housing12, the fan carrier 186 may include a tongue 200 that mates with acorresponding groove 202 located on the bottom plate (e.g., shelf 20B)of the channel 174. The tongue 200 is generally dimensioned forinsertion within the groove 202. When inserted, the tongue/slotinterface helps guide the fan carrier 186 into its proper positionwithin the housing 12. For example, it may help set the fan carrier 186along the x, y and z axis as well as to prevent rotation about x, y andz axis. In essence, the fan carrier 186 is retained within the housing12 when the T-flange 192 and tongue 200 are placed within the slot 194and groove 202.

The fan carrier 186 also includes a carrier connector 204 configured toboth structurally and electrically engage or mate with a correspondingconnector 206 located within the channel 174 when the carrier 186 isslid into the channel 174. The carrier connector 204 may for example bea plug while the corresponding connector 206 may for example be a socket(or vice versa). The carrier connector 204 generally provides electricalconnection to both fans 188 while the corresponding connector 206provides electrical connection to the motherboard 32 and/or the powersupply located within a lower section 208 of the computer 10. This isgenerally accomplished through one or more wires.

As shown in FIG. 10B, these two connectors 204/206 are cooperativelypositioned so that when the carrier 186 is placed within the channel174, the two connectors 204 and 206 mate with one another thuselectrically connecting the fans 188 to the electrical components of thecomputer 10. As long as they are cooperatively positioned, theconnectors 204 and 206 can be placed almost anywhere along thecarrier/channel interface. In some cases, the socket portion of theconnector arrangement is configured to include a generous lead in forreceiving the plug so that the connectors 204 and 206 may be easilyengaged when the fan carrier 186 is slid into the channel 174. By way ofexample, the opening in the socket may include a taper or chamfer thatguides the plug to the appropriate place within the opening in thesocket. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier connector 204 ismounted to a top portion of a side member 210 of the carrier 186, andthe corresponding connector 206 is mounted to the bottom surface of theshelf 20B. More particularly, the carrier connector 204 is placed inline with the T flange 192 in front of the carrier 186 and thecorresponding connector 206 is placed in line with the slot 194 at theend of the slot 194.

In one embodiment, one or both of the connectors 204 and 206 areconfigured to gimbal relative to structure to which they are mounted inorder to correct any misalignment between connectors 204 and 206. Bygimbal it is generally meant that the connectors are able to float inspace relative to their respective structures while still beingconstrained thereto. The gimbal permits the connector to shift freely sothat connectors can mate even when it would otherwise be misaligned, asfor example, when the fan carrier 186 is improperly positioned in thechannel 174. When a single connector gimbals, the position of thegimbaling connector conforms and adjusts to the position of the otherconnector. When both connectors gimbal, the position of both connectorsconforms and adjusts relative to each other. The gimbal may allow singleor multiple degrees of freedom. For example, movements in the x, y, andz directions and/or rotations about the x, y and z axis.

The gimbal may be provided in a variety of ways, including but notlimited to one or more pivot joints, translating joints, flexure joints,rotational joints, ball and socket joints and the like. In oneparticular implementation, each of the connectors 204 and 206 isconfigured to gimbal. The gimbal of the carrier connector 204 isprovided by play that exists between the housing of the carrierconnector 204 and a carrier bracket 212 positioned on the fan carrier186. The gimbal of the corresponding connector 206 is provided by playthat exists between the housing of the corresponding connector 206 and abracket 214 positioned on the upper plate (e.g., shelf 20A). Each ofthese implementations is discussed in greater detail below in FIGS. 11and 12.

The fan carrier 186 may be held in place by a friction coupling. Thefriction coupling may be provided between the mating features/portionsor the mating connectors. Additionally or alternatively, the frictioncoupling may be provided by additional mating structures of the fancarrier 186 and computer 10. One advantage of frictional couplings isthat the fan carrier 186 is not locked or snapped in thus it may beeasily pulled out and pushed into the computer 10, i.e., the fan carrier186 simply slides in and slides out. In the illustrated embodiment, thefan carrier 186 is held in place by a friction coupling found betweenthe surfaces of the mating connectors 204 and 206. In this embodiment,the plug connector fits snuggly into the socket connector so that afriction force holds the two connectors 204 and 206 together, i.e.,resists sliding motion. In order to decouple the connectors 204 and 206,and thus the fan carrier 186 from the upper and lower plates, thefriction between the mating surface of the connectors 204 and 206 needsto be overcome. Alternatively or additionally, the friction coupling maybe found between the surfaces of the mating features 192 and 194.

The fan carrier 186 may be further held in place by the access door 14or an inner door located between the access door 14 and the housing 12,as for example, in the case of a shock and vibration situation. Eitherof these doors can be configured to provide pressure against the fancarrier 186 when the door 14 is in the closed position. The pressure maybe heavy to none as it may only need to keep the fan carrier 186 fromsliding out of the computer 10. Although friction couplings aregenerally preferred for the ease of use, it should be noted that it isnot a limitation and that locks, latches, snaps, flexures, detents,magnets and the like may also be used to help secure the fan carrierwithin the channel.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the fan carrier structure will be described ingreater detail. As already mentioned, the fan carrier includes a divider190 and a side member 210. The divider 190 separates the carrier 186into multiple sub channels. The divider 190 is generally positionedbetween the two fans 188 so that one channel directs air to a first heatsink 30A and the other channel directs air to the second heat sink 30B.The side member 210, on the hand, generally provides structure to thefan carrier and may further provide a wall for ducting the air withinthe computer. The side member 210 may help duct air through the heatsinks 30 while covering a portion of the motherboard 32. The side membermay be straight or sloped. The side member 210 additionally provides astructure to which the carrier connector 204, and tongue 200 aremounted.

Although not previously discussed, the fan carrier 186 also includes afront member 220, which provides a mounting surface for the fans 188. Asshown, the fans 188 are positioned in front of their own opening 222 inthe front member 220. Each opening 222 is located in a different subchannel. The openings 222 provide a passage for the air to travel fromthe fans 188 to the heat sinks 30. The fans 188 may be mounted to thefront member 220 using any suitable means. The fans 188 may for examplebe mounted to the front member 220 via rubber grommets located at eachcorner of the fans 188. The rubber grommets are typically retained inthrough holes located in both the fan housing and the front member 220.

The fan carrier 186 also includes a top member 224 and a bottom member226, which provide further structure to the fan carrier 188 and whichprovide a mounting surface for the mating features, particularlyT-flange 192. The top and bottom members 224 and 226 may also furtherhelp duct the air through the computer 10. For example, they may helpguide air to the heat sinks 30. The fan carrier 186 additionallyincludes a handle 228 for pulling the fan assembly out of the computerand for pushing the fan assembly into the computer. The handle 228 isgenerally placed at a location that can be easily grasped by the user.For example, the handle 228 may be located on the side of the fancarrier 186 closest to the removable access door 14 when the access door14 is closed. The user, after removing the door, can therefore grasp thehandle 228 and pull the fan assembly 170 out of the computer 10. In theembodiment shown, the handle 228 is connected to the divider 190.

The fan carrier 186 and its components may be assembled in a variety ofways. For example, each of the members may be attached to one anotherusing conventional techniques such as fasteners, adhesives and the likeand/or they may be integrally formed as a single unit. Furthermore, thefan carrier may be formed from a variety of materials including but notlimited to plastic and metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the fancarrier is formed from a single piece of plastic (molded).

FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective diagrams of a connection arrangementof the fan carrier 186 and the computer 10. As shown, the carrier 186includes a bracket 232 for receiving the carrier connector 204 and theshelf 20B includes a bracket 234 for receiving the correspondingconnector 206. Both brackets 232 and 234 are configured to allow theirassociated connectors 204 and 206 to float within the bracket 232 and234 while keeping it constrained thereto (e.g., gimbal). As shown, thecarrier connector 204 generally includes a body 236 that is positionedwithin a channel 238 formed by the carrier bracket 232 and a plug 240that extends out an opening 242 in the carrier bracket 232. The wires244 of the connector 204 go through another opening 246 in the bracket232 and dive down to meet the fans. The body 236 is typicallydimensioned to provide clearance all the way around thereby giving itsome play within the channel 238 of the bracket 232. The clearanceallows the connector 204 to float in the bracket 232. The connector 204may freely sit in the bracket 232 or it may contain a means to hold itwithin the channel 238. For example, it may include a strap that goesover the top of the connector 204, or it may be held by a frictioncoupling as for example caused by the wires 244 pressed into the opening246. In some cases, it may be desirable to prevent movement, andtherefore crush ribs may be provided in the clearance to make the body236 fit tight within the channel 238.

Furthermore, the corresponding connector 206 generally includes a body250 that is positioned within a pair of arms 252 formed by thecorresponding bracket 234. The body 250 is retained within the arms 252by a flange portion 254 and flexible catches 256 on both sides of thebody 250. The flexible catches 256 are configured to flex so as to allowplacement of the body 250 within the arms 252. Once placed, the flexiblecatches 256 spring back thereby trapping the arms 252 between themselvesand the flange portion 254. By way of example, the arms 252 may beformed by a piece of sheet metal that is bent down from the shelf 20B.Like the carrier connector 204, the body 250 of the correspondingconnector 206 is dimensioned to provide clearance all the way aroundthereby giving it some play within the arms 252 of the bracket 234. Thespace between the flexible catch 256 and the flange portion 254 may alsoprovide a clearance for allowing movement of the body 250. As above, theclearance allows the connector 206 to float in the bracket 234.

In one embodiment, because the connectors 204 and 206 are blind mateconnectors, the body 250 of the corresponding connector 206 includes alead in chamfer or taper 258 around its opening 260 to help guide theplug 240 of the carrier connector 204 therein. Once in place, theterminal of the connectors 204 and 206 are engaged and the fans areelectrically coupled to the computer.

In summary, the fan assembly disclosed herein provides a structure foraccomplishing a quick and efficient installation and removal of the fansto and from the computer. For example, it requires no tools and only onehand to manipulate removal and installation. As discussed in thebackground, conventional fans have been attached to the frame or chassisof the computer with screws, bolts or grommets. In order to remove thefans from the computer, it has been necessary to unfasten and removeeach of the screws or grommets securing the fan to the frame or chassis.This is a time consuming and cumbersome process. Furthermore, itrequires tools and more than one hand. Thus, those users without toolsor those users with physical limitations may not be able to remove thefan from the computer. The fan assembly of the present inventionovercomes these disadvantages.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, andreferring back to FIG. 2, the computer 10 includes a disk drive 24 thatcan be removed and installed into an interior portion of the computer 10with simplicity and ease. The removability of the disk drive 24 mayprovide several competitive advantages such as ease of assembly andservicing. The removability may also provide greater access to otherdevices mounted in the computer 10 and may provide interchangeabilitybetween other disk drives.

The disk drive 24 may be widely varied. By way of example, the diskdrive may be an optical disc drive, floppy disk drive, zip drive, harddrive or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the disk drive 24corresponds to an optical drive and more particularly a CD/DVD drivecapable of receiving compact disks (CD) and digital video disks (DVD).The CD/DVD drive generally includes drive components for reading CD'sand/or a DVD's and transport components for inserting and removing theCD and DVD discs to and from the drive components. By way of example,the drive components may include a laser, light sensing diode, and aspindle motor, and the transport components may include a movable tray.The CD/DVD drive also generally includes an enclosure for housing thedrive and transport components. The enclosure is typically arranged tostructurally support the components, to shield electronic and laseremissions therein, and to prevent dust particles from reaching the drivecomponents.

As shown in FIG. 2, the disk drive 24, when inserted, is positionedwithin an interior portion of the computer housing 12. The interiorportion may for example be a channel 270 defined by one or morecomponents of the computer. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel270 is formed by the housing 12 and the first shelf 20A as well as theaccess frame 18 and the access door 14 when closed. The channel 270 mayfor example be a thermal zone capable of channeling airflow. In order tofacilitate the insertion and removal of a disk to and from the diskdrive 24, the housing 12 generally includes an opening that iscooperatively positioned relative to the disk drive 24. In some cases,the housing 12 may include a door for covering the opening in order toprevent particles from entering therethrough and for producing acontinuous look at the periphery of the housing 12. The sliding tray ofthe disk drive 24 may be configured to push on the door in order to openthe door and allow the tray to extend outside the housing 12. In oneembodiment, the door is part of the door system 27 disposed between thehousing 12 and the disk drive 24.

Referring to 12, the disk drive 24 is generally configured for slidingreceipt in the interior portion 270 of the housing 12 between a mountingposition and a removal position. In the mounting position (FIG. 2), thedisk drive 24 is mounted to the housing 12 or some internal structuralcomponent thereof (e.g., shelves 20). In the removal condition (FIG.12), the disk drive 24 is removed from the housing 12 or some structuralcomponent thereof. In order to facilitate the mounting and removal ofthe disk drive 24 to and from the computer 10, the computer/disk driveinterface generally includes a quick release latching mechanism 272. Thequick release latching mechanism 272 includes a drive-side matingfeature that engages a computer-side mating feature inside the housing12. The mating features may be widely varied, and may for exampleinclude catches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and the like. In theillustrated embodiment, the disk drive 24 includes posts 274 that can beinserted into post receivers 276 on the first shelf 20A of the computer10.

The quick release latching mechanism 272 also includes one or morelatches 278 that urge the drive-side mating feature into engagement anddisengagement with the computer-side mating feature. When fully engaged,the mating features support and properly position the disk drive 24inside the computer 10. For example, the mating features may place thedisk drive 24 in its proper position relative to a disk door 280 on thehousing 12. When fully disengaged, the disk drive 24 is placed in aposition for removal. The latches 278 may also be configured lock themating features in their engaged position thus securing the disk drive24 to the housing 12 in a simple and easy manner. In one particularembodiment, the latches 278 are configured to trap the disk-side matingfeature within the computer-side mating feature, i.e., the post 274 istrapped within the post receiver 276.

Furthermore, in order to electrically connect and disconnect the diskdrive 24 to and from the computer 10, the disk drive 24 may include anelectrical connector (not shown) that is configured to electricallyengage a corresponding electrical connector (not shown) disposed withinthe interior portion of the housing 12. The corresponding electricallyconnector may for example be connected to the motherboard. Whenelectrically connected, the disk drive 24 can be controlled and poweredby the computer 10. When electrically disconnected, the disk drive 24 isno longer powered or controlled by the computer 10. In some cases, thedisk drive 24 may be coupled to the computer 10 through blind mateconnectors in a manner similar to the fan assembly 170, and in othercases, the disk drive 24 may be coupled to the computer 10 through acable and conventional connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, acable 282 allows the disk drive 24 to be removed and moved a substantialdistance away from the computer 10. In other words, the disk drive 24can be completely removed from the computer 10. If desired, the diskdrive 24 can be completely decoupled from the computer 10 bydisconnecting the cable 282 from the computer 10. The disconnection mayfor example occur by decoupling a connector at the end of the cable 282.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show a diagram of a disk drive mounting system 290, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The disk drivemounting system 290 enables a user to easily and quickly secure andrelease the disk drive 24 to and from the housing 12. When installed,the disk drive 24 is at least positioned adjacent an opening or diskdoor in the housing so as to facilitate the placement and removal of adisk from the disk drive 24. When released, the disk drive 24 ispresented to a user so that the user can remove the disk drive 24 fromthe computer 10. The disk drive mounting system 290 generally includes adisk drive plate 292, which may for example correspond to the bottomsurface of the drive enclosure that houses the components of the diskdrive 24. The drive mounting system 290 also includes a mounting plate294, which may for example correspond to a shelf 20A inside the computer10. The mounting plate 294 is configured to support the disk drive plate292 and thus the disk drive 24 inside a computer 10.

The disk drive plate 292 includes a plurality of standoffs 296, each ofwhich is capable of mating with a corresponding receiving bracket 298 onthe mounting plate 294. The stand offs 296 are typically connected atstandard mounting points. By way of example, the stand offs 296 may besecured to the disk drive plate 292 using screws or bolts that can beintegrally connected with the stand off or separate components. Inaddition, the brackets 298 may be separate components that are attachedto the mounting plate 294 as for example using some sort of fastener orthey may be an integral part of the mounting plate 294 (e.g., moldedpart of the plate). In order to connect the stand offs 296 with thebrackets 298, the standoffs 296 generally include a flange portion 300that mates with a slot 302 on the bracket 298. The flange portion 300may be slid into the slot 302 thus retaining it to the bracket 298. Theslot 302 is generally designed to guide the disk drive via thestandoff/slot interface into its appropriate position within thehousing. The slots 302 may include an entry point and a final set point.The position of the brackets 298 generally depends on the position ofthe standoffs 296. In most cases, the mounting plate 294 includes a pairof front brackets 298A and a pair of rear brackets 298B. The frontbrackets 298A are position closer to the access door 14 in the computer10 than the rear brackets 298B.

The disk drive mounting system 290 also includes a quick release latchsystem for positioning the standoffs 296 within the brackets 298 andlockably engaging the standoffs 296 relative to the brackets 298. Bylocking the standoffs 296 relative to the brackets 298, the disk drive24 may be held in place inside the computer 10. The quick release latchsystem generally includes one or more rotatable latches 304 thatcooperate with the brackets 298A to secure the standoffs 296 relative tothe brackets 298A. By way of example, the latches 304 may be rotatablycoupled to the brackets 298A via a shoulder bolt system that includes ashoulder bolt 305, which extends through a hole in the latch 304 andwhich is attached to the bracket 298A via a screw 306 (see FIG. 14). Inthe illustrated embodiment, only the front brackets 298A include acorresponding latch 304. This is done to make the latches 304 accessibleto a user as for example when the access door is removed from thehousing of the computer, i.e., the latches are generally placed at alocation that can be easily grasped by the user.

Referring back to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the latches 304 are rotatablebetween a receiving position (shown) and a locking position. In thereceiving position, the flange portion 300 of the standoff 296 iscapable of engaging the slot 302 in the bracket 298. In the lockingposition, the flange portion 300 of the standoff 296 is captured withina space formed by the latch 304 and the bracket 298A. The flange portion300 of the stand off 296 is essentially trapped between the latch 304and the bracket 298A so that it cannot be removed (e.g., locked). Thelatches 304 may be operated independently (as shown) or they mayoperated together as a unit. For example, the latches 304 may beoperatively coupled via a mechanical linkage that allows a user tooperate a single lever in order to cause both latches 304 to rotatebetween the receiving and locking position.

FIGS. 15A-C are side elevation views of the disk drive mounting system290 of FIG. 14. These Figures illustrate a coupling sequence of the diskdrive mounting system 290. As shown, the disk drive plate 292 includesstandoffs 296 that are mounted to the bottom of the disk drive plate292, and the mounting plate 294 includes brackets 298 that are integralwith the mounting plate 294. The brackets 298 are configured to receivethe standoffs 296. In particular, the brackets 298 include slots 302that slidably receive a flange portion 300 of the standoffs 296. Asshown, the standoffs 296 include a lower flange 308 and an upper flange310, which are connected by a post 312. The diameter of the lower andupper flanges is larger than the diameter of the post 312 therebyforming a channel between the flanges 308 and 310. The post 312 isdimensioned for sliding receipt within the slot 302, and the top portionof the bracket 298 is dimension for sliding receipt within the channelformed by the upper and lower flanges 308 and 310. The slots 302 aregenerally configured to set the correct x and y positions for the diskdrive 24. Although slidably interconnected, the stand offs 296 typicallyrest on the top surface of the bracket 298. The standoffs 296 areconfigured to set the correct z height for the disk drive 24. Thestandoffs 296 can come in various sizes depending on the dimension ofthe drive. For example, different drive manufacturers may requiredifferent standoffs.

The brackets 298 form a pocket 314 for receiving the latch 304 therein.The pocket 314 is configured to hide a substantial portion of the latch304, as for example, a cam portion 316 of the latch 304. A lever arm 318of the latch 304 is typically left exposed so that a user may easilyactuate the latch 304. The latch 304 is rotatably coupled to a bracket298 about an axis between a receiving position (FIG. 15B) and a lockingposition (FIG. 15C). In the receiving position, the lower flange 308 ofthe standoff 296 can be inserted into a groove 320 located within thecam portion 316 of the latch 304. In the locking position, the lowerflange 308 of the standoff 296 is captured within the groove 320. Thestand off 296 is essentially trapped between the latch 304 and thebracket 298 so that it cannot be removed (e.g., locked).

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate a sequence of movements as a disk drive islatched and unlatched, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In each of these Figures, a latch 304 is used to install orrelease a disk drive from a shelf of a computer. When installed, thedisk drive is at least positioned adjacent an opening or disk door inthe housing so as to facilitate the placement and removal of a disk fromthe disk drive. When released, the disk drive is presented to a user sothat the user can remove the disk drive from the computer. FIG. 16Ashows the latch 304 in an open position for mating. FIG. 16B shows thelatch 304 in a mated position. FIG. 16C shows the latch 304 in a matedand locked position.

Initially, the lower flange 308 of the stand-off 296 is placed in thereceiving/presenting portion 324 of the groove 320 (FIG. 16A). Thereceiving/present portion helps guide the lower flange in and out of thegroove 320. When the user first rotates the latch 304, as for example,via lever arm 318, the latch 304 captures the lower flange 308 withinthe groove 320. This action also causes the post 312 to move within theslot 302. Upon further rotation of the latch 304, the lower flange 308is forced to move further within the groove 320 and the post 312 isforced to move further within the slot 302 (FIG. 16B). When the latch304 is finally rotated, the lower flange 308 is positioned at the end ofthe groove 320 and the post 312 is positioned at the end of the slot 302(FIG. 16C).

Because the bracket 298 is rigid, the standoff 296 and thus the diskdrive are forced to follow a path defined by the slot 302. The path maybe widely varied, but is generally configured to direct or guide thedisk drive to its proper position within the computer. As shown, theslot 302 is angled and thus it includes multiple directional components.The first direction component guides the disk drive via the standoff 296internal to the computer. The second directional component guides thedisk drive via the standoff 296 towards the front of the computer. Thisparticular path encourages proper placement of the disk drive relativeto a disk opening or disk door in the front of the housing. For example,the end of the slot 302 may set the x and y position of the disk driveso that it is properly positioned next to the opening or disk door,i.e., the disk drive can be forced against the inner surface of thehousing.

In summary, the removable disk drive system disclosed herein provides astructure for accomplishing a quick and efficient installation andremoval of the disk drive to and from the computer. For example, itrequires no tools and at least one hand to manipulate removal andinstallation. As discussed in the background, conventional disk driveshave been attached to the frame or chassis of the computer with screws,bolts or grommets. In order to remove the disk drive from the computer,it has been necessary to unfasten and remove each of the screws securingthe disk drive to the frame or chassis. This is time consuming andcumbersome process. Furthermore, it requires tools and more than onehand. Thus, those users without tools or those users with physicallimitations may not be able to remove the disk drive from the computer.The disk drive assembly of the present invention overcomes thesedisadvantages.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, andreferring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, a drive door 330 is provided that slideslinearly up and down relative to the computer housing 12 between anopened and closed position. When opened, the drive door 330 is placedaway from an opening 332 in the housing 12 in order to allow access to aCD/DVD disk drive located within the computer housing 12. This may forexample, allow a disk tray 334 to move in and out of the computerhousing 12 (FIG. 17B). When closed, the drive door 330 covers theopening 332 in order to prevent access therethrough and to protect andhide the internal components (CD/DVD drive) disposed within the housing12 (FIG. 17A). In most cases, the drive door 330 is fully containedwithin the housing 12 (as shown by dotted lines), i.e., the drive door330 slides internal and within the outer periphery of the computerhousing 12. The sliding door 330 therefore does not increase the profileof the computer housing 12 like conventional rotating doors. As shouldbe appreciated, rotating doors and their components (hinges) are oftenconsidered to be aesthetically non-pleasing since they protrude from thehousing (especially in the open position).

The sliding door 330 may be slidably coupled to the housing 12 using oneor more tracks, channels, and the like. The sliding action of the door330 may be initiated via an actuator configured to drive the slidingdoor 330 linearly up and/or down between its open and closed positions.The actuator, which is located within the housing 12, typically includesa drive mechanism such as a motor. The drive mechanism may drive thedoor 330 directly or indirectly as for example through a drive transfermechanism such as a push arm. The actuator may be controlled by thecomputer 10, i.e., the computer 10 informs the actuator when to drivethe door 330 up and when to drive the door 330 down. In some cases, thedoor 330 may be spring biased in the closed position, and thus theactuator works against the spring bias in order to place the door 330 inthe opened position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator corresponds to the disk tray334 of the disk drive. The disk tray 334, which is moved by a linearmotor, pushes on the inner portion of the door 330 thereby causing thedoor 330 to slide down as the tray 334 extends outside the housing 12,i.e., the force from the sliding tray 334 as it exits the housing 12forces the sliding door 330 to its opened position. Because the linearmotions of the tray 334 and door 330 are perpendicular to one another, ameans for transforming the linear motion of the tray 334 to the linearmotion of the door 330 may be needed. The means may, for example,include an assemblage of motion mechanisms (e.g., linkages, cams, gears,chains, belts and the like), interconnected in such a way as to providea controlled linear output motion in response to the supplied linearinput motion. In one particular implementation, the linear motion of thetray 334 is transformed to rotary motion, and the rotary motion istransformed to the linear motion of the door 330. This particularimplementation is described in greater detail below.

The sliding door 330 may be part of a door system that is mounted to thehousing 12 or structural component thereof adjacent an opening 332 inthe housing 12. The door system generally includes a door housing, whichslidably supports the sliding door 330. The door housing may be attachedto the computer housing 12 using any conventional means, i.e.,fasteners, adhesives, snaps, etc. In one implementation, the computerhousing includes a bracket for receiving the door housing. The bracketmay include one or more slots, which accept flexure tabs located on thedoor housing. By forcing the tabs into the slots, the door housing maybe snapped into its proper position within the bracket. In this manner,fasteners are not needed thereby enabling quick and easy assembly anddisassembly.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are side elevation views of a disk drive system 350,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The diskdrive system 350 includes a disk drive 352, a housing 354 and a drivedoor assembly 356. The disk drive 352 may for example correspond to aCD/DVD drive, which includes a carrier tray 358 for carrying a disk toand from the disk drive 352. The carrier tray 358 is configured totranslate between a closed position (FIG. 18A) and an open position(FIG. 18B). When closed, the carrier tray 358 is positioned within anenclosure 360 of the disk drive 352 so that a disk can be processed bythe disk drive 352. When opened, the carrier tray 358 is positionedoutside of the enclosure 360 of the disk drive 352 so that a user caninsert or remove a disk from the carrier tray 358.

The housing 354 is configured to enclose the disk drive 352 and drivedoor assembly 356. The housing 354 may for example correspond to acomputer housing such as computer housing 12 shown in the previousFigures. Alternatively, the housing 354 may be a drive housing, ratherthan a computer housing. In either case, the housing 354 includes anopening 362 for allowing the carrier tray 358 to extend out of thehousing 354. The housing 354 is also configured to support thesecomponents in their assembled position within the housing 354. By way ofexample, the disk drive may be supported by a shelf inside the housing.Furthermore, the disk drive 352 may be attached to the housing 354 orsome component thereof using fasteners or a quick release latchingmechanism.

The drive door assembly 356 is positioned between the housing 354 andthe disk drive 352. The drive door includes a frame 364, a sliding door366, and a motion transformer 368. The frame 364 is configured tosupport the sliding door 366 relative to the motion transformer 368. Theframe 364 may be attached to the housing 354 or the disk drive 352. Ineither case, the drive assembly 356 is generally positioned at a preciselocation relative to each in order to align the opening 362, slidingdoor 366 and carrier tray 358. The sliding door 366 is positioned asclose as possible to the interior surface of the housing 354 so as toreduce gaps at the door/housing interface when the door 366 is closedwhile still allowing enough space for allowing movement of the door 366.The sliding door 366 is configured to slide relative to the frame 364.Although not shown, the sliding door 366 may include hooks that engagerails on the frame 364 thereby allowing the door 366 to slide relativeto the frame 364. The sliding action allows the door 366 to move betweena closed position where the door 366 is placed in front of the opening362 to prevent access therethrough (FIG. 18A), and an opened positionwhere the door 366 is placed away from the opening 362 to allow accesstherethrough (FIG. 18B). In FIG. 18A, the sliding door 366 is moved infront of the opening 362 thus hiding the opening and the internalcomponents of the housing from view. In FIG. 18B, the sliding door 366is moved away from the opening 362 so that the movable tray 358 can moveout of the housing 354.

The motion transformer 368 is configured to transfer the linear motionof the carrier tray 358 to linear motion of the sliding door 366. Themotion transformer 368 may be widely varied. In the illustratedembodiment, the motion transformer 368 includes a cam 370 that rotatesrelative to the frame 364 about an axis. The cam 370 may be pivotallycoupled to the frame 364 via a pivot pin or other similar method. Thecam 370 is configured to rotate between a first position and a secondposition. During operation, the linear motion of the carrier tray 358 istransformed into rotary motion at the cam 370 and the rotary motion ofthe cam 370 is transformed to linear motion at the sliding door 366. Thecam 370 generally includes a ramp portion 372 for interfacing with thedisk tray 358 and a gear portion 374 for interfacing with acorresponding gear portion 376 on the sliding door 366 (e.g., rack andpinion). Each of the gear portions 374 and 376 includes one or moreteeth. The ramp 372 is configured to receive the carrier tray 358 inorder to rotate the cam 370. The gear portion 374 is configured to matethe corresponding gear portion 376 on the sliding door 366 in order tomove the sliding door 366 linearly downwards.

When a user desires the disk drive 352 to be open, the carrier tray 358is caused to extend outside the housing 354 in a first linear direction380. During its linear motion, the disk tray 358 pushes on the ramp 372of the cam 370 thereby causing the cam 370 to rotate about it axis.During rotation, the contacting point between the ramp 372 and thecarrier tray 358 may change from the front of the carrier tray 358 tothe bottom of the carrier tray 358. In essence, the carrier tray 358causes the cam 370 to roll around its axis. When the cam 370 rotates,the teeth located thereon engage the corresponding teeth located on thesliding door 366. As the cam 370 further rotates, each tooth engagesanother tooth thereby driving the sliding door 366 in a second lineardirection 382, which is perpendicular to the first linear direction 380.In some cases, the cam 370 is spring biased in the first position so asto place the door 366 in its closed position when the carrier tray 358is positioned within the disk drive 352, i.e., the spring forces the caminto the first position, and the cam via the gear portions forces thedoor in its closed position.

FIGS. 19A-19E are assembly diagrams of a drive door assembly 400, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. By way ofexample, the drive door assembly 400 may generally correspond to thedrive door assembly described in FIG. 18 and may be placed between thedisk drive and front housing adjacent an opening in the housing as shownin FIGS. 1-2 (element 27). In this embodiment, the drive door assembly400 is capable of being attached to an inner surface of the fronthousing. In fact, the drive door assembly 400 may be snapped into amounting portion located on the inner surface of the front housing inorder to make assembly and disassembly easier (e.g., tool-less).

As shown in FIG. 19B, the drive door assembly 400 includes a shutterdoor 402, a shutter housing 404, a pivot gear 406 and an EMI shutter can408. The housing 404 serves as a base for assembling all the componentsof the drive door assembly 400. The shutter door 402 includes a cosmeticshutter door 402A that is attached to a structural shutter door 402B viaa tape member 402C. The cosmetic shutter door 402A provides a clean lookthat matches the exterior of the housing to which the drive doorassembly 400 is positioned. The structural shutter door 402B providesthe structural base of the door 402.

The structural shutter door 402B is slidably received by the shutterhousing 404. This is accomplished through rails 410 positioned at theends of the structural door 402B and a pair of tracks 412 positioned onthe shutter housing 404. The rails 410 are configured to hook onto thetracks 412 so that they are slidably retained thereon. By way ofexample, the rails 410 may be inserted at the bottom of the tracks 412.

The shutter housing 404 also rotatably receives the pivot gear 406. Thisis accomplished through a pair of mounting posts 414 located on theshutter housing 404 and a pair of corresponding mounting posts 416located on the pivot gear 406 that are rotatably connected via a pair ofpivot pins 418. The pivot pins 418 may for example be placed throughholes located in the mounting posts 416 and 418 and additionally in theside walls of the shutter housing 404. The pivot gear 406 includes apair of ramps 420 for receiving a carrier tray of a CD/DVD drive. Whenengaged, the carrier tray pushes on the ramps 420 thus causing the pivotgear 406 to rotate via the mounting post interface.

The pivot gear 406 also includes a pair of gears 422 also located ateach end of the pivot gear 406. The gears 422 are configured to matewith corresponding gears 424 located on the interior surface of thestructural door 402B (e.g. rack and pinion). When mated, the teeth ofthe gears 422 and 424 engage thus causing the structural door 402B toslide along the shutter housing 404 via the rail/track interface. Thepivot gear 406 may be spring biased by a pair of torsion springs 426,i.e., one at each mounting post interface. The torsion springs 426generally bias the pivot gear 406 in a position that places the door 402in a closed position. During an opening operation, the carrier trayworks against the spring force when rotating the pivot gear 406. Duringa closing operation, the spring force causes the door 402 to move to theclosed position when the tray is moved back into the disk drive.

The EMI can 408 is positioned over the shutter housing 404 in order toshield electronic emissions emanating in regions around the disk drive.The EMI can 408 is retained on the shutter housing 404 via a pair oftabs 428 located on the shutter housing 404 and a pair of slots 430located on the EMI can 408. The EMI can 408 snaps onto the shutterhousing 404 when the slots 430 are placed over the tabs 428. The EMI can408 also includes a plurality of tabs 432 for engaging slots (not shown)located on the interior surface of the front housing. When engaged, thedrive door assembly 400 is retained to the housing in its properposition. In order to allow some tolerance, the EMI can 408 may gimbalrelative to the shutter housing 404. This may be accomplished byallowing some play at the tab/slot interface and a wireform 434 disposedbetween the shutter housing 404 and the EMI can 408. The wireform 434provides some spring bias between the shutter housing 404 and the EMIcan 408. The shutter housing 404 may include one or more nubs 436 forproperly placing the drive door assembly 400 relative to the housing inwhich it is assembled.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, andreferring back to FIG. 2, the computer 10 includes a hard drive 26 thatcan be removed and installed into an interior portion of the computer 10with simplicity and ease. The removability of the hard drive 26 mayprovide several competitive advantages such as ease of assembly andservicing. The removability may also provide greater access to otherdevices mounted in the computer 10 and may provide interchangeabilitybetween other hard drives.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hard drive 26, when inserted, is positionedwithin an interior portion of the computer housing 12. The interiorportion may for example be channel 270. The hard drive 26 is generallyconfigured for sliding receipt in the interior portion 270 of thehousing 12 between a mounting position and a removal position. In themounting position (FIG. 2), the hard drive 26 is mounted to the housing12 or some internal structural component thereof (e.g., shelves 20). Inthe removal condition (not shown), the hard drive 26 is removed from thehousing 12 or some structural component thereof.

In order to facilitate the mounting and removal of the hard drive 26 toand from the computer 10, the computer/hard drive interface generallyincludes a quick release retention mechanism. The quick releaseretention mechanism 445 includes a drive-side mating feature thatengages a computer-side mating feature inside the housing 12. The matingfeatures may be widely varied, and may for example include nubs,grooves, channels, catches, hooks, flanges, slots, guides, and the like.In order to secure the mating features and thus the hard drive to thecomputer, the mating features may be configured as friction couplings.The quick release retention mechanism may also include a lockingmechanism capable of locking the mating features in their engagedposition. The locking mechanism may be widely varied and may for exampleinclude snaps, flexures, latches and the like. The quick releaseretention mechanism may also include one or more latches capable ofurging the drive-side mating feature into engagement and disengagementwith the computer-side mating feature.

Furthermore, in order to electrically connect and disconnect the harddrive 26 to and from the computer 10, the hard drive 26 may include anelectrical connector (not shown) that is configured to electricallyengage a corresponding electrical connector (not shown) disposed withinthe interior portion of the housing 12. The corresponding electricallyconnector may for example be connected to the motherboard. Whenelectrically connected, the hard drive 26 can be controlled and poweredby the computer 10. When electrically disconnected, the hard drive 26 isno longer powered or controlled by the computer 10. In some cases, thehard drive 26 may be coupled to the computer 10 through blind mateconnectors in a manner similar to the fan assembly 170, and in othercases, the hard drive 26 may be coupled to the computer 10 through acable and conventional connectors.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams of a hard drive mounting system 450, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The hard drivemounting system 450 enables a user to easily and quickly secure andrelease one or more hard drives 26 to and from a computer. The harddrive mounting system 450 generally includes one or more hard drives452, which may for example correspond to hard drive 26. The hard drivemounting system 450 also includes a rack system 454 for supporting andstoring the hard drives 452 in an organized manner within the computer.The rack system 454 may for example be fixed to the shelf 20A locatedinside the housing 12 of computer 10. The rack system 454 is generallyconfigured to hold the hard drives 452 in a stacked arrangement therebyusing available space more efficiently. For example, the hard drives 452may be stored in a parallel relationship. As shown, the rack system 454includes one or more drive bays 456 for receiving an individual harddrive 452. Any number of drive bays 456 may be used. As should beappreciated, as the number of drive bays 456 increases so does theexpansion capability of the computer. In the illustrated embodiment, therack system 454 includes a pair of drive bays 456, particularly an upperdrive bay 456A and a lower drive bay 456B.

The connection between the hard drives 452 and rack system 454 ispreferably arranged to allow insertion and removal of the hard drives452 with minimal effort and without tools, i.e., quick release coupling.The connection may be widely varied. In the illustrated embodiment, thehard drives 452 are slidably received by the rack system 454. The harddrives 452 are therefore capable of sliding in and out of the racksystem 454. As shown, the hard drive 452 includes mounts 458 that slideinto mating channels 460 in the rack system 454. The mounts 458 aregenerally positioned on opposing sides of the drive 452 and the matingchannels 460 are generally located on opposing sides of the rack system454 thereby allowing the hard drive 452 to be easily pushed in andpulled out of the rack system 454. The mounts 458 may for example beplaced at standard mounting locations on the enclosure of the hard drive452. Any number of mounts 458 may be used, although it has been foundthat four mounts work well (two on each side). The mounts 458 generallyinclude a nub 459 dimensioned for sliding receipt within the groove 461of the channel 460 (e.g., hemisphere, and inverse hemisphere). The nub459 is typically connected to the enclosure of the hard drive 452 via ascrew or bolt although other attachment means may be used. Furthermore,the nub 459 may be formed from a compliant material that is capablecompensating for undesirable forces that may be inflicted on the harddrive 452 when it is mounted in the rack system 454.

The channels 460 generally guide the hard drive 452 to its properposition within the rack system 454. The channels 460 generally includean entry point 462 and a final point 464. The entry point 462 representsthe area of the channel 460 that initially receives the mounts 458. Inorder to facilitate the easy placement of the mounts 458 in the channels460, the entry point 462 may be flared outwards. The final point 464, onthe other hand represents the area of the channel 460 that preventsfurther sliding movement. The final point 464 may for example set thefinal mount position of the hard drive 452 within the rack system 454.The final point 464 may for example correspond to an abutment stop. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a first set of channels is configured toguide a hard drive 452 to the lower bay 456B and a second set ofchannels is configured to guide a hard drive 452 to the upper bay 456A.As shown, the first set of channels includes a pair of continuous andparallel channels 460A, which receive both the front mounts 458A andrear mounts 458B of the hard drive 452. The second set of channels, onthe other hand, includes a pair of first channels 460B and a pair ofsecond channels 460C. The first channels 460B are configured to receivethe rear mounts 458B and the second channels 460C are configured toreceive the front mounts 458A. The first channels 460B include a frontportion 466, a slope portion 468 and a rear portion 470. The frontportion 466 is located underneath the second channels 460C and isgenerally configured for initially receiving the rear mounts 458B. Thesloped portion 468 is configured to guide the rear mounts 458B to therear portion 470, which is level with the second channels 460C.

In order to prevent the hard drives 452 from sliding out of the drivebays 456, the hard drive mounting system 450 may include one or morequick release mechanisms. For example, the hard drive mounting system450 may include a friction coupling between surfaces of the mounts 458and the channels 460, and more particularly, between the nub 459 and thegroove 461. Alternatively or additionally, the hard drive mountingsystem 450 may include a holding detent for holding the mounts 458 intheir desired position within the channel 460. The holding detent mayfor example be located near the entry point of the channel 460. Theholding detent is typically designed to provide limited holding power.For example, enough holding power to maintain the proper placement ofthe mounts 458 within the channels 460 while still allowing a user toovercome it when pulling or pushing the hard drive 452 into and out ofthe drive bays 456 (e.g., one handed operation). Alternatively oradditionally, the hard drive mounting system 450 may include quickacting clamps or latches that impede the sliding actions altogether.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 20 includes all three quick releasemechanisms. For example, the drive mounting system 450 includes aholding detent in the form of locking flexures 472. The locking flexures472 are generally configured to help retain the mounts 458 within thechannels 460, and to help place the mounts 458 in their desired positionwithin the channels 460 (and thus the hard drive 452 within the drivebay 456). The locking flexures 472 are located within each of thechannels 460 and are generally positioned proximate the entry point.This enables them to cooperate with an abutment stop at the final pointin order to hold the hard drive 452 in place within the drive bay 456,i.e., the rear mount 458B is pressed up against the abutment stop andthe front mount 458A is pressed against the locking flexure 472. Thelocking flexure 472 generally includes a flexible body 474 connected tothe rack system 450 and a locking tab 476 at its end. The locking tab476 extends into the groove of the channel 460. The locking tab 476serves as a temporary abutment stop.

As the drive 452 is pushed into the drive bay 456, the mounts 458 engagethe channels 460 and thus the locking flexures 472. Because the lockingflexures 472 flex, they allow the mounts 458 to pass when pushed in by auser. Once the mounts 458 have passed over them, the locking flexures472 resume their natural position thereby trapping the mounts 458 in thechannel 460 between the locking tab 476 and the abutment stop at the endof the channel 460. Using this arrangement, the hard drive 452 isprevented from sliding out of the bay 456 on its own. In order to removethe drive 452, a user simply pulls on the hard drive 452. During thepulling action, the mounts 458 slide within the channel 460 until theyengage the lock flexures 472. When a significant pulling force has beenprovided, the locking flexures 472 flex thereby releasing the mounts 458from the channel 460. Using this arrangement, the user simply has toovercome the spring bias at the locking flexure 472 when sliding thehard drive 452 in and out of the drive bay 456.

In order to further hold the drives 452 in place within the drive bays456, the rack system 454 may include one or more user actuated latches480. In general, there is latch 480 for each drive bay 456. The useractuated latches 480 are preferably placed towards the front of the racksystem 454 so that they are easily accessible when the rack system 454is mounted within a computer, i.e., the latches 480 are placed at alocation that can be easily grasped by the user. The latches 480 arerotatable between a receiving position (vertical) and a locking position(horizontal). In the receiving position, the hard drive 452 can beplaced within the drive bay 456, i.e., the mounts 458 are capable ofengaging the channels 460 so that the hard drive 452 can be pushed intoplace. In the locking position, the drives 452 are captured within thedrive bay 456 by the latch 480. The latch 480 serves as an abutment stopto the hard drive 452 in order to keep it from sliding out of the drivebay 456.

In addition to the above, the rack system 454 generally includes amounting pedestal 484, which serves as a support structure for the racksystem 454. The mounting pedestal 484 may be attached to a shelf insidethe computer using any suitable means as for example screws or bolts.The mounting pedestal 484 may include one or more recesses 486 forreceiving one or more cable as for example a cable from the motherboardlocated behind the rack system 454. The cables may for example includeconnectors at their end that engage corresponding connectors 488 on thefront face of the hard drive 452 when the hard drive 452 is placedwithin the drive bay 456.

It is contemplated that the different embodiments of the presentinvention may be adapted for any of a number of suitable and knownpersonal computers that process, send, retrieve and/or store data. Forexample, the personal computers may correspond to an IBM compatiblecomputer or an Apple compatible computer. Further, the personal computermay generally relate to desktop computers, whether segmented orall-in-one machines, which sit on desks, floors or other surfaces. Byway of example, the Apple compatible computer may correspond todifferent models including but not limited to iMac, eMac, Cube, G3, G4,G5 models, which are manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted thatthere are many alternative ways of implementing the methods andapparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer, comprising: a housing having aninterior portion and an access opening; a quick release access doorconfigured to cover the access opening when the access door is in aclosed position and to be tool-lessly placed in and removed from theaccess opening; and a quick release removable fan module that slides inand out of the interior portion of the housing through the accessopening, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanicalconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid into thehousing, the fan module making tool-less electrical and mechanicaldisconnections with the computer when the fan module is slid out of thehousing, wherein at least one of the electrical connections is made by agimbaling electrical connector configured to float relative to astructure to which it is mounted, wherein the gimbaling electricalconnector is a friction coupling comprising a first blind mate connectorconfigured to mate with a corresponding second blind mate connectorwithin the interior portion of the housing, the gimbaling electricalconnector being on a side of the fan module opposite a side of the fanmodule closest to the access opening when the gimbaling electricalconnector is electrically connected, wherein the fan module is held inplace by the access door contacting and frictionally coupling the fanmodule when the access door is in the closed position such that when theaccess door is removed the fan module is no longer frictionally coupledto and held in place by the access door, thereby allowing tool-less andquick placement and removal of the fan module to/from the computer. 2.The computer as recited in claim 1 wherein the fan module is securedwithin the computer without using fasteners.
 3. The computer as recitedin claim 1 wherein the fan module comprises: a fan carrier and one ormore fans mounted to the fan carrier, the fan carrier and one or morefans being installed and removed from the computer as a unit.
 4. Thecomputer as recited in claim 3 wherein the fan carrier comprises: amounting member for receiving the one or more fans, the mounting memberhaving an opening for each fan; an upper member positioned above themounting member; a lower member positioned below the mounting member; apartition disposed between the openings in the mounting member; and ahandle for inserting and extracting the fan carrier from the computer.5. The computer as recited in claim 1 wherein the housing has a cavityfor receiving the fan module, the cavity including a first connectortherein, and wherein the fan module includes a second connector thatengages the first connector when the fan module is inserted into thecavity and that disengages the first connector when removed from thecavity.
 6. The computer as recited in claim 1 wherein the housing has acavity for receiving the fan module, the cavity including a firstmounting portion, and wherein the fan module includes a second mountingportion that engages the first mounting portion when the fan module isinserted into the cavity and that disengages the first mounting portionwhen removed from the cavity.
 7. The computer as recited in claim 6wherein the first mounting portion is a slot, and wherein the secondmounting portion is a T-flange.
 8. A device for cooling a computer thatincludes a housing having an interior portion, comprising: a quickrelease removable fan module that slides in and out of the interiorportion of the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical andmechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slidinto the housing, the fan module making tool-less electrical andmechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slidout of the housing, wherein at least one of the electrical connectionsis made by a gimbaling electrical connector configured to float relativeto a structure to which it is mounted, wherein the fan module includes aT-flange configured to slide along a length of a slot within a shelfwithin the housing as the fan module is slid into the housing, andwherein a bottom portion of the T-flange includes a central memberdimensioned for sliding receipt within the slot and a top memberdimensioned to slide along a top surface of rests on and is supported bythe shelf such that the fan module is suspended from the shelf when thefan module is inside the housing, wherein the slot has an open end atwhich the T-flange is inserted into the slot, wherein the fan module isheld in place by a quick release access door contacting and frictionallycoupling the fan module when the access door is in the closed positionsuch that when the access door is removed the fan module is no longerfrictionally coupled to and held in place by the access door, the quickrelease access door being configured to be tool-lessly placed in andremoved from the access opening thereby allowing tool-less and quickplacement and removal of the fan module to/from the computer.
 9. Thedevice as recited in claim 8 wherein the fan module is secured withinthe computer without using fasteners.
 10. The device as recited in claim8 wherein the fan module comprises: a fan carrier and one or more fansmounted to the fan carrier, the fan carrier and one or more fans beinginstalled and removed from the computer as a unit.
 11. The device asrecited in claim 10 wherein the fan carrier comprises: a mounting memberfor receiving the one or more fans, the mounting member having anopening for each fan; an upper member positioned above the mountingmember; a lower member positioned below the mounting member; a partitiondisposed between the openings in the mounting member; and a handle forinserting and extracting the fan carrier from the computer.
 12. Thedevice as recited in claim 8 wherein the housing has a cavity forreceiving the fan module, the cavity including a first connectortherein, and wherein the fan module includes a second connector thatengages the first connector when the fan module is inserted into thecavity and that disengages the first connector when removed from thecavity.
 13. The computer as recited in claim 1, wherein the gimbalingconnector allows multiple degrees of freedom.
 14. The computer asrecited in claim 1, wherein the gimbaling connector allows a singledegree of freedom.
 15. The computer as recited in claim 1, wherein thegimbaling connector is one of the following: a pivot joint, atranslating joint, a flexure joint, a rotational joint, and a ball andsocket joint.
 16. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein thegimbaling connector allows multiple degrees of freedom.
 17. The deviceas recited in claim 8, wherein the gimbaling connector allows a singledegree of freedom.
 18. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein thegimbaling connector is one of the following: a pivot joint, atranslating joint, a flexure joint, a rotational joint, and a ball andsocket joint.
 19. A device for cooling a computer that includes ahousing with a channel in its interior portion, the channel having afirst electrical connector and configured to receive a fan module,wherein the first electrical connector is positioned inside the channelthe device comprising: a quick release removable fan module configuredto slide in and out of the channel in the interior portion, the fanmodule having a T-flange configured to slide along a slot within ashelf, wherein the slot has an open end at which the T-flange isinserted into the slot, wherein the T-flange includes a central memberdimensioned for sliding within the slot and a top member having and abottom portion that slides along a top surface of the T flange rests onand is supported by the shelf such that a top member and shelf interfacesets a z-axis position of the fan module and a central member and slotinterface sets x-axis and y-axis positions of the fan module when thefan module is inside the housing, the fan module making electrical andmechanical connections with the computer when the fan module is slidinto the channel, the fan module making tool-less electrical andmechanical disconnections with the computer when the fan module is slidout of the channel, wherein at least one of the electrical connectionsis made by a second electrical connector on the fan module mating withthe first electrical connector inside the channel when the fan module isfully inserted within the channel, wherein the fan module is held inplace by a quick release access door contacting and frictionallycoupling the fan module when the access door is in the closed positionsuch that when the access door is removed the fan module is no longerfrictionally coupled to and held in place by the access door, the quickrelease access door being configured to be tool-lessly placed in andremoved from the access opening thereby allowing tool-less and quickplacement and removal of the fan module to/from the computer.
 20. Thedevice of claim 19, wherein the fan module further includes a member onthe top side of the fan module, the member being dimensioned forslidable receipt by a slot within a top plate of the channel such thatthe member rests on the shelf when the fan module is fully insertedwithin the channel.
 21. The device of claim 19, wherein the fan modulefurther includes a member configured to mate with a corresponding matingmember on a bottom plate of the channel.
 22. The device of claim 19,wherein the first connector is adjacent a motherboard inside thehousing.
 23. The device of claim 8, wherein the divider and walls of thefan module and housing form walls of the first and second channels fordirecting air to the first and second heat sinks.